Author Topic: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer  (Read 4514 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline xanaphyst

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 21
Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #50 on: March 14, 2023, 10:15:27 AM »


Nice!  I have a Monterey 268SS, almost boating season here...


[/quote]

Nice boat !!! I'm wanting a tower like that myself but its too close to boating season now. That will have to wait until this coming winter.

Offline newday777

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 5,320
  • Avatar is my 76 K6 in Colorado w/Cody on back 1980
Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #51 on: March 14, 2023, 10:22:42 AM »
Getting there,, still some work to do, needs frame hoop and lights

That rear brake pull isn't installed correctly. Not sure if you realized or not.

Thank you for the heads up !!!  I don't see what is wrong. Can I have a hint ???
Stu
Honda Parts manager in the mid 1970s Nashua Honda
My current rides
1975 K5 Planet Blue my summer ride, it was a friend's bike I worked with at the Honda shop in 76, lots of fun to be on it again
1976 K6 Anteres Red rebuilding project, was originally my brother's that I set up from the crate, it'll breath again soon!
Project 750s, 2 K4, 2 K6, 1 K8
2008 GL1800 my daily ride and cross country runner

Prior bikes....
1972 Suzuki GT380 I had charge of it for a year in 1973 while my friend was deployed and learned to love street riding....
New CB450 K7 after my friend returned...
New CB750 K5 Planet Blue, demise by ex cousin in law at 9,000 miles...
New CB750 K6 Anteres Red, to replace the totaled K5, I sold this K6 at 45k in 1983, I had heavily modified it, many great memories on it and have missed it greatly.....
1983 GL1100A, 1999 GL1500 SE, 1999 GL1500A

Offline Doobie

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 311
Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #52 on: March 14, 2023, 11:00:25 AM »
If you've never ridden much before, spend your time learning how to ride well and safely.
You only go around once in life so it might as well be on a motorcycle.

CB550K4
CB750K2
CB750K2
CB750K6
CB750K6
CB750K7
CB750F3
CB900F2

Offline xanaphyst

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 21
Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #53 on: March 15, 2023, 06:23:42 AM »
Getting there,, still some work to do, needs frame hoop and lights

That rear brake pull isn't installed correctly. Not sure if you realized or not.

Thank you for the heads up !!!  I don't see what is wrong. Can I have a hint ???


I must be blind cause I'm still not seeing the problem.  :-[

Offline bryanj

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 14,044
  • CB500 Number 1000036
Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #54 on: March 15, 2023, 06:57:09 AM »
Looks to me like the torque arm is way too short, i dont remember the triangular lower part on the brake plate facing forward so much
Semi Geriatric ex-Honda mechanic and MOT tester (UK version of annual inspection). Garage full of "projects" mostly 500/4 from pre 73 (no road tax in UK).

Remember "Its always in the last place you look" COURSE IT IS YOU STOP LOOKIN THEN!

Offline Ellz10

  • ZZ
  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 760
  • Knowledge is Power
Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #55 on: March 15, 2023, 08:19:03 AM »
Brake arm should be in the 6:30/7 o'clock position. Brake panel should be around the 5 o'clock position.

I recently went thru all this whilst installing my custom brake strap and brake pull.
Thankful for everyone on this forum. Grateful to continue to learn so much.



'77 K7 - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,193043.msg2251436/topicseen.html#new

Offline Tracksnblades1

  • My Son was a collegiate competition Trap, Skeet, and sporting Clay
  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,858
Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #56 on: March 15, 2023, 10:10:33 PM »
This 750k in the service manual looks more like 4:30 too..?
Age Quod Agis

Offline exponent

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 116
  • Obsessed
Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #57 on: March 22, 2023, 09:39:48 AM »
If the bike in the first picture is the one you bought don't you dare cut it up. Only do bolt ons and keep all the original parts
'78 550K 2106630

Offline xanaphyst

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 21
Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #58 on: November 14, 2023, 04:08:59 AM »
Well in the end it took a bit longer than I expected but its pretty much all done now......even have a title !!!!   Last bit is to tune the new VN34 4-2 carbs and then get it registered. It ran pretty good with the stock carbs but not having the factory airbox really restricted their operation.  For my first ever road bike and first ever bike project I'm satisfied with the way it turned out. One of my disappointments was finding a guy on youtube called Classic Octane that does lots of old Hondas and lives close to me but I couldnt get him to respond to anything I tried.....not once. I even signed up online for his carb service.....zero....crickets.  But hey in the end I got it all done and love it.

Hondaman ....... Thank You for the engine build !!




« Last Edit: November 14, 2023, 04:23:38 AM by xanaphyst »

Offline MauiK3

  • A K3 is saved
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 4,307
  • Old guy
Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #59 on: November 14, 2023, 06:46:07 AM »
That's quite a project!
1973 CB 750 K3
10/72 build Z1 Kawasaki

Offline Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 34,356
  • Central Texas
Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #60 on: November 14, 2023, 06:54:18 AM »
Looks good!
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Alaxy Galaxy

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 329
Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #61 on: November 14, 2023, 07:04:00 AM »
Looks like a solid build. Good on you for going through with it and thank you for choosing a project bike initially.

I am a bit worried of the strain the exhaust is going to put on the head without any downstream support. Just my .02$

Don't know what the weather is like where you are, but if it's nice, go out and have fun riding and be proud of your build.

Offline Kelly E

  • Geriatric Hooligan
  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,379
Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #62 on: November 14, 2023, 12:38:51 PM »
I agree with Alex.

Without a rear exhaust mount you will probably be breaking exhaust studs. It's a lot of load when you hit a big bump or pothole especially with firmer or less suspension travel.
Never Give Up - Never Surrender

The Rust Bros. Garage Collection
1974 Honda CB 550 K0                                            1971 MGB/GT
1975 Honda CB 400F Super Sport                          1972 MGB/GT
1977 Kawasaki KZ 1000 LTD                                   1985 GMC S15
1978 Kawasaki KL 250
1980 Suzuki GS 1100E
1982 Honda CB 900F Super Sport
1983 Honda CB 1100F
1984 Honda VF 700S Sabre
1984 Honda VF 1000F Interceptor
1990 Moto Guzzi 1000 Le Mans
1994 Kawasaki Concours ZG 1000A9
2005 Harley Davidson Fat Boy

Offline campbmic

  • Sea-Foam and Flaming 151 is a dam good
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 662
Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #63 on: November 15, 2023, 08:51:40 PM »
Im in Dallas and have a 1975 CB550 I bought for $300 (?cant remember) and turned it into a cafe racer. If you search through some of my older posts you'll find a pic of it. I'm rebuilding it now after a fire. I'm planning on doing a better build this time around. However, for my first time I bought clubman handlebars and cleaned up the "triangle" (where the airbox is). Clubmans will make a pretty drastic change immediately.

The triangle is a bit more work. I removed the airbox and purchased "pod filters" online. Many engineers smarter than you or I designed the airbox to work with the engine and putting pods on a bike will change that. Your bike will likely not run as well (might not be super noticeable) and you can help this by experimenting with the jets in your carbs and needle position. The next step is purchasing a smaller batter and relocating all of the all of the wiring/electrics in the triangle. My bike was kickstart only and I was able to use a battery for home security systems from batteries plus and it worked great. I cant remember all of the specifics but someone can likely help you with what amps/volts you'd need. I then paid someone $20 to weld a metal box I could fit under the original sit to house everything. Alternatively, you can buy a cafe seat and relocate it all to the hump in the back.
Its hard to be wrong when you know nothing!

Offline Floshenbarnical

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 413
  • Money pit enjoyer
Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #64 on: November 16, 2023, 12:42:42 PM »
Im in Dallas and have a 1975 CB550 I bought for $300 (?cant remember) and turned it into a cafe racer. If you search through some of my older posts you'll find a pic of it. I'm rebuilding it now after a fire. I'm planning on doing a better build this time around. However, for my first time I bought clubman handlebars and cleaned up the "triangle" (where the airbox is). Clubmans will make a pretty drastic change immediately.

The triangle is a bit more work. I removed the airbox and purchased "pod filters" online. Many engineers smarter than you or I designed the airbox to work with the engine and putting pods on a bike will change that. Your bike will likely not run as well (might not be super noticeable) and you can help this by experimenting with the jets in your carbs and needle position. The next step is purchasing a smaller batter and relocating all of the all of the wiring/electrics in the triangle. My bike was kickstart only and I was able to use a battery for home security systems from batteries plus and it worked great. I cant remember all of the specifics but someone can likely help you with what amps/volts you'd need. I then paid someone $20 to weld a metal box I could fit under the original sit to house everything. Alternatively, you can buy a cafe seat and relocate it all to the hump in the back.

Alternately you can learn how to make fiberglass molds and make a cafe seat with a hump all by yourself :)
"All things change in a dynamic environment. Your effort to remain what you are is what limits you."

'77 CB750 SS

Offline campbmic

  • Sea-Foam and Flaming 151 is a dam good
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 662
Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #65 on: November 16, 2023, 09:18:54 PM »
Im in Dallas and have a 1975 CB550 I bought for $300 (?cant remember) and turned it into a cafe racer. If you search through some of my older posts you'll find a pic of it. I'm rebuilding it now after a fire. I'm planning on doing a better build this time around. However, for my first time I bought clubman handlebars and cleaned up the "triangle" (where the airbox is). Clubmans will make a pretty drastic change immediately.

The triangle is a bit more work. I removed the airbox and purchased "pod filters" online. Many engineers smarter than you or I designed the airbox to work with the engine and putting pods on a bike will change that. Your bike will likely not run as well (might not be super noticeable) and you can help this by experimenting with the jets in your carbs and needle position. The next step is purchasing a smaller batter and relocating all of the all of the wiring/electrics in the triangle. My bike was kickstart only and I was able to use a battery for home security systems from batteries plus and it worked great. I cant remember all of the specifics but someone can likely help you with what amps/volts you'd need. I then paid someone $20 to weld a metal box I could fit under the original sit to house everything. Alternatively, you can buy a cafe seat and relocate it all to the hump in the back.

Alternately you can learn how to make fiberglass molds and make a cafe seat with a hump all by yourself :)

This is true! I was looking online tonight and there are some pretty affordable deals on alibabaexpress for cafe seats/pans too!
Its hard to be wrong when you know nothing!